Affordable Weekend Getaways Around the U.S.

I will discuss Affordable Weekend Getaways Around the U.S. in this post. Even if money is limited, you could need to leave town for a few days. You may take a much-needed vacation without breaking the budget with a little forethought and preparation. Studies have proven that even a short trip and time spent outside may improve our health, not that we need convincing. The good news is that you don’t have to travel very far to get the advantages of a fresh setting.

If you live in one of these 15 big cities and are looking for a cheap weekend vacation close to home, check out our choices. We are confident you will return from your trip feeling revitalized without spending too much money.

From L.A. to Hermosa, a California beach town

Hermosa Beach, located only a few miles up the coast from Los Angeles, is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable beach vacation. Stay at one of the quaint hotels like the Sea Sprite Hotel along the coast. Alternatively, H2O Hermosa offers inexpensive sophistication. Off the pier, various restaurants serve anything from pizza to tacos. You may have a beachside picnic with pizza from Paisanos Pizza & Pasta.

Spend the day sunning yourself or playing in the water. You may rent bicycles and ride along The Strand or walk it and look at the houses on each side. Murals commemorating Hermosa’s history and culture may be painted on walls and buildings across the city. The Lighthouse Cafe has been serving jazz brunch since 1949; if your budget permits, you can also enjoy a Comedy & Magic Club performance.

From New York City to Montauk, New York

For a cheap weekend trip from New York City, skip the ritzy Hamptons and go east on Montauk Highway to one of the many charming Long Island communities. Visit Montauk, on the South Fork, the furthest point east of New York State. In addition to beaches, vineyards, and historic buildings, this area also has a wide variety of places to stay and eat.

One of the several parks in the vicinity, Hither Hills State Park, has a beach, picnic spaces, fireplaces, fishing, a playground, and camping. Explore the park’s nature paths or stroll along the rocky beach at Montauk Point State Park. The nearby Montauk Museum and Lighthouse, built in 1796, serve as historical reminders of the area’s significance to the development of the United States.

From Washington, D.C., to West Virginia

The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is just two hours from Washington, D.C., yet it seems like another universe. Shepherdstown is a lovely college town where you can spend your weekend enjoying nature, a small-town vibe, history, and shopping without breaking the bank. You may go rock climbing, hiking, and learning about history all day at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The neighborhood offers zip lining if you’re looking for a thrill.

Berkeley Springs is known for its natural hot springs, where people come to relax and revitalize. Discover the downtown antique stores and restaurants on foot. A trip to a distillery in Martinsburg or Charles Town will provide souvenirs that will be appreciated in the nation’s capital.

From Seattle to San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island, accessible by boat from Anacortes, is a great island escape only a few hours’ drive away. Return to nature with a hike, bike ride, or stroll along the beach as soon as you arrive. You may also go boating, fishing, or kayaking. Stop by a vineyard, brewery, or cidery for a taste if you’re running low on gas.

Accommodations around the island may be found to meet the needs of visitors of various financial means. You may camp out in a tent, park your RV, or stay in a luxurious canvas cottage at Lakedale Resort, among other options.

From San Francisco to Paso Robles, California

A pleasant road trip awaits you around 200 miles south of San Francisco in the city of Paso Robles. Relax and reconnect with nature at Lake Nacimiento, with its kilometers of gorgeous coastline, mountains, woods, and waterfalls.

Downtown The Piccolo, a bed & breakfast, or a vacation rental are all viable options for guests. The town’s pedestrian-friendly main street has cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores. A day spent enjoying a picnic in the vineyards of a nearby winery is also a lot of pleasure. Sleep in a vintage camper by the pond at Alta Colina or explore Denner Vineyards’ gorgeous tasting room. Visit Thacher Winery, another beautiful family-run vineyard.

From Portland to Sherwood, Oregon

Leaving Portland behind you won’t take too much time or effort. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge at Sherwood, less than 20 miles south, is an excellent place to rest and observe birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants from the walkway or wetland observation platform. Admire the landscape as you travel to a local winery for a taste or to buy a bottle.

My Tiny House Village is an affordable and enjoyable micro-resort on a former Christmas tree farm. These small houses are set in a charming area, close to local vineyards and other points of interest. The Vintages Trailer Resort, located farther into the Willamette Valley wine region, has beautifully renovated vintage trailers with modern conveniences, including free Wi-Fi, a pool, and lawn games.

From Dallas, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, 200 miles north of Dallas on Interstate 35, is a nice weekend retreat with easy access to nature. The Oklahoma River Boathouse District offers canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. After a long day, relax at Bricktown, a nearby old warehouse area turned into a vibrant dining, drinking, and entertainment district.

There are dog-friendly parks all around, such as the one at Myriad Botanical Gardens, which has over a thousand different species of plants, a waterfall, and a sky bridge with views into a tropical jungle. Check out Frontier Park’s roller coasters or one of Oklahoma City’s many horse shows. If you have time on the weekend, you should also check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

From Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins, an hour north of Denver, is a terrific weekend destination for brewers and distilleries. Enjoy a day outside by hiking, riding a bike, observing birds, or riding a horse. Whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming are some water sports that may be enjoyed on the many local rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

You should plan on spending at least one day in downtown Fort Collins if you want to see all the attractions and eat at all the restaurants. Beautifully preserved historic houses and charming side lanes served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, USA. The Armstrong Hotel in Fort Collins Old Town is a fantastic alternative for a cheap, convenient, and historically appropriate stay. Your pet will feel at home at this hotel with its Pendleton dog bed and dish from New Belgium Brewing Company.

From Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, located 200 miles north of Atlanta, is a wonderful and inexpensive weekend destination. Spend a day exploring the River Arts District and immerse yourself in the city’s booming arts culture. There are literally hundreds of studios and pieces of art to peruse, ranging from paintings to porcelain to ceramics. Stop by Ultra Coffeebar or Wedge Brewing Company to refuel on the way.

In Asheville, even the most frugal diner may experience a new level of fine dining. Visit 12 Bones Smokehouse for some pulled pork, Tupelo Honey for some biscuits, and Vortex Doughnuts for some doughnuts. Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great way to burn those extra calories. There is a wide variety of places to stay for the night, from luxurious hotels to rustic cabins.